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Avon appoints attorney as town moves toward tax sale over $452,469 delinquency at Avon Place
Summary
The Town Council appointed an outside attorney May 2 as officials described a $452,469.79 delinquency at the Avon Place apartment complex and outlined steps toward a potential tax sale to collect unpaid real-estate taxes and sewer fees.
The Avon Town Council voted May 2 to appoint Attorney Adam Cohen of Pullman & Comley as Assistant Town Attorney as town officials described a $452,469.79 delinquency tied to Avon Place LLC and signaled they may pursue a tax sale to collect the unpaid amounts.
Why it matters: The outstanding amount — described by Finance Director Tom DiStasio as “a significant delinquency” and more than twice the next-largest balance — includes roughly $326,000 in current-year real-estate taxes. Town leaders said the size of the delinquency could materially affect the town’s collection rate and recommended aggressive collection steps.
DiStasio told the council the collector’s office will first issue a demand notice. If the balance is not paid, state statute allows the town to proceed to a tax-sale process that includes multiple notices to owners and lienholders, published auction notices and the possibility of an auction with a subsequent six-month redemption period. DiStasio said lenders are likely to resolve unpaid taxes before a sale, but the town’s next step is to retain counsel and proceed with collection actions as permitted by law.
The appointment passed unanimously on a motion by Mrs. Barthel, seconded by Ms. Ausiello. Council members emphasized the town’s interest in recouping funds while noting concern for tenants. “Our interest in all of this is getting paid,” the Town Manager said during the discussion; the town did not identify any immediate plans to displace tenants and said how new owners would handle tenants would be governed by applicable law.
What’s next: The town will notify lienholders and proceed with the statutory notice and auction process if the debt remains unpaid. The item was recorded as an appointment vote: Mmes. Ausiello, Barthel, Bratton and Messrs. Polhamus and Weber voted in favor.
Sources: Town meeting minutes and Finance Director Tom DiStasio’s presentation to the Avon Town Council on May 2, 2024.
